LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Jan. 1

I am a retired General Motors salaried employee who has never worked for a union. But I have unions to thank for the comfortable lifestyle I enjoy today. It is important to note that no corporation, municipality, police or fire department, hospital or school system would have offered -- out of the kindness of their heart -- salary increases, medical insurance, paid vacations, retirement packages, fairer and safer working conditions. The unions fought hard for the right to bargain for these benefits that we now take for granted.

In essence, through collective bargaining, the unions created the middle class. Employees were able to have a healthier and better life style. They could afford to own their own homes, send their children to college, and purchase the products that they manufactured. They could afford to take vacations, start their own businesses, save for retirement and contribute to their community.

When workers have more spendable income, they create a larger market for goods and services, which in turn create more jobs. Workers win, big manufacturers and small businesses win. The municipalities, schools, public services and public facilities win because of more property tax revenue, business tax revenue and income taxes received due to a stronger economy.

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If Michigan succeeds in their quest to break the unions, the middle class, as we know it, will be diminished. The monetary and benefits packages that members fought so hard for will be in jeopardy. The rich will get richer and the middle class will be the losers.

SANDY POTTER

Waterford

Parents lost control of schools

To the parents who think they are losing control of our schools: You lost control a long time ago. I know you're too young to know this, but in the 1970s, a proposal moved school funding from local control to state control. This proposal was the one that your parents approved and cost you control over our schools. At that time, I went on public television Channel 56, courtesy of the communications laws at the time, and warned that this would happen and urged a "no" vote on the issue. Your parents didn't agree and here we are.

The intent of the change was admirable. It more equitably distribute tax money to Michigan schools so that all students had equal opportunity. If the last 40 years of equal opportunity had worked, we wouldn't be having this argument now. Democrats at the time supported that fundamental funding change just like Republicans are now supporting this fundamental funding change. That didn't work then, and this isn't going to work now.

The reason is the same now as it was then: You can't fix stupid.

I'm not talking about the kids. I'm talking about the parents and politicians who think that moving dollars around is the answer. It's far more complex than that, and ignoring that -- whether Democrat then or Republican now -- may be good theater, but only that.

We will keep trying to find the answer, but it will take a reality check to get there, and that's not in the cards right now.